Studying the Impact of Internal Audit on the Efficiency of Financial and Management Processes in Government Organizations

Document Type : Research

Authors
Saba Valinejad
Zohreh Hajiha
Department of Accounting, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/smajournal.2026.545823.1137
Abstract
Internal auditing has been recognized as one of the key tools ensuring transparency and efficiency in public sector organizations, capable of playing a crucial role in improving financial and managerial processes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of internal audit quality on the efficiency of financial and managerial processes in governmental organizations in Tehran during the period from October 2024 to May 2025. The research employed a mixed-method, descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires completed by managers and accounting experts in twenty governmental organizations. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation tests, multiple linear regression, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), conducted using statistical software. The findings revealed that internal audit quality plays a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of financial and managerial processes. Specifically, improvements in internal audit quality were associated with substantial increases in reporting transparency, risk management, and internal controls. Factor analysis identified three main dimensions of internal audit quality Risk Assessment, Internal Control, and Transparent Reporting which together explained more than 83% of the total variance. These dimensions collectively had a convergent and positive impact on the efficiency of financial and managerial processes in public sector organizations. The results underscore the need to strengthen internal audit processes as a strategic tool for improving resource management, preventing errors, and enabling decision-making based on accurate information. Therefore, it is recommended that governmental organizations in Tehran invest more heavily in enhancing the structure and quality of their internal audits to improve transparency and maximize the efficiency of their financial and managerial resources.
Keywords
Internal Audit
Efficiency of Financial Processes
Efficiency of Management Processes
Risk Assessment
Internal Controls
Transparent Reporting
Subjects
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Strategic Management Accounting
Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Spring
Winter 2026
Pages 94-116